At a glance

7 nights hotel. This is a centre-based trip set in the village of Soldeu. The hotel is basic but friendly, all rooms are en suite and there is a restaurant and bar

Transport: minibus, mountain bike, raft and 4WD

Activities are not compulsory so you can join in as much or as little as you like

Children should be able to swim and ride a bike

A multi-activity family adventure amidst the spectacular scenery of the Pyrenees

Nestled in the heart of the Pyrenees, Andorra is the perfect base for an activity-filled week in the mountains. The walking is fantastic, with opportunities to scale local peaks, relax by lakes, explore Incles Valley, and spot marmots and mountain ponies. Jump into 4WD vehicles and follow an old smugglers’ route into Spain for an action-packed whitewater rafting trip. Cycle off road amidst breathtaking Pyrenean scenery, stopping at farming hamlets and rural villages en route. For those with a head for heights, there’s a chance to whizz through the air on zip wires too!

Itinerary

Show detailed itinerary

1Day 1Start Toulouse; transfer to Andorra.

Those on the group flights will be met at Toulouse Airport and transferred by private bus to our hotel in Soldeu in Andorra (approx. 3-4hrs). Those not travelling on the group flights will meet at the meeting point and join the transfer. Along the way, you can marvel at the impressive mountain scenery that surrounds you as you wind your way up over the border into Andorra.
Situated on the southern slopes of the Pyrenees, squashed between France and Spain, the principality of Andorra measures a mere 25km by 30km, and has an average elevation of 1,996 metres.
Andorra's independence can be traced back to Charlemagne, who captured the region from the Muslims in 803AD. It was only in 1993 that the Andorran people voted to establish the country as an independent and democratic state. Although small, Andorra is blessed with some of the finest scenery in the Pyrenees and is a great place for an active week in the mountains.See more images and videos

2Day 2Hill walking around Pessons Lake in Siscaro Reserve.

This morning you will take your first excursion out into the impressive mountains of this tiny country. The drive to Port Envalira takes approximately 30 minutes and at 2,408 metres is boasted as being the highest road pass in Europe, helping to connect El Pas de la Casa to the rest of the country. Starting at 2,500m you have a short 100m climb to the summit of Pic Maia. At this height there are spectacular views across the Andorran mountains.
From here the rest of the day is a ridge walk. Being mostly flat or downhill, this is a great introduction to the Pyrenees, and a chance to stretch your legs and acclimatize to the altitude. The scenery is stunning and the walk will hopefully give you the chance to see some of Andorra's flora and fauna. It is always worth keeping an eye out for the griffon vultures which are often seen circling high overhead. On the way you will pass the Siscaro Lakes which on hotter days, are a pleasant place to have a swim. From here the descent is more rapid and the path brings you out right opposite the hotel. You will arrive back at the hotel between 3pm and 4pm giving you a chance to either relax in the sun, take the bikes out for a ride, or visit one of the neighbouring hotel's spa centres.See more images and videos

Today's full day of activities take place in the stunningly beautiful Cortals Valley, about a 30 minute drive away. Half-way up the valley you jump on the bikes for a ride along a flat track to the Engolasters Lake giving you the opportunity to enjoy the scenery. Around the lake there are plenty of fun tracks to be taken and you normally have the choice between an easy flat track and a more exciting path through the woods. For those slightly less energetic there is also a lakeside bar.
Retracing your route you return to the vehicles. You have the option to ride the demanding 3km tarmac road ascent to the barbeque area - a climb that follows part of the Tour of Spain route. However, the vehicles are available for anyone not fancying this. For lunch you will stop in a Pyrenean meadow and there is time to enjoy a picnic, which you will have had time to buy before you set off.
After lunch you mount your bikes once more for the last part of the day's cycling as you head for the top of the valley. From here you cross a rope-suspended bridge and take an off-road descent followed by an on-road exhilarating switch-back descent to Encamp - a total descent of over 800m. For anyone not wishing to cycle the routes they can be done on foot and there is a possibility of taking the longest gondola (ski lift) ride in Europe. At the end of the day you return by vehicle to Soldeu.See more images and videos

4Day 4Free day to relax or choose from optional activities including horse riding, canyoning, zip-wiring or swimming in the Caldea.

Today has been left free for you to choose from the many activities that are on offer in Andorra. You may decide to go horse riding, or visit the thermal baths of La Caldea. Take to the trees for tree-top zip-lining or go canyoning. If you have a head for heights you can try your hand at Via Ferrata climbing. There are of course plenty more opportunities for walking and mountain biking or you could simply choose to relax enjoy the sunshine or go duty free shopping.See more images and videos

5Day 54WD excursion along old smugglers' route into Spain; whitewater rafting near Sort.

There has been a long tradition of trade in Andorra due to its unique location between France and Spain. However the most profits have always been available to those willing to smuggle contraband goods. The mountainous nature of Andorra and the border meant that the smugglers had numerous routes they could take. The Spanish Civil War gave the smugglers the chance to make large profits as French goods were taken into Spain where they were not readily available.
As the war drew to a close and the market seemed to be drying up, the Second World War started and the trade reversed as Spanish goods were now needed in France. Heading off road in your 4WD vehicle gives you the chance to get away from the developed valleys and see some of the little visited and interesting places in and around Andorra. You drive out of Andorra to the Port de Cabus on the Spanish border; where the tarmac ends so does Andorra. En route there are some spectacular views along valleys to distant peaks, the odd shallow stream to go through and the chance to stop in a typical mountain hamlet. The end of the smuggler's route finds you at the put-in point for your exhilarating white water rafting (minimum age 8 years to participate and 8-12 year olds will only be able to raft on grade I & II). Here you kit up with paddles, helmets, buoyancy aids, wetsuits and of course join your rafts and guides.See more images and videos

Setting off in the vehicles and with the bikes, you head off to the Ordino Valley, one of the most picturesque in Andorra. Starting at the top end of the valley at 2000m you get fitted with a bike and helmet and then follow with a guide the old iron route of Andorra. Iron was Andorra's first industry which brought the first real settlements to the area. Easy going off road tracks take you along the valley past the old iron mines, mills, and forges finishing in the village of Ordino.
The tracks are mostly wide 4x4 dirt surfaces, no cars take these routes, and though the ground might be a bit rough in places, no technical mountain biking skills are needed, just a good knowledge of normal bike riding. After a rest and refreshment in the village you are back in the vehicles and up to the col de beixalls at 1800m where you are back on the bikes for a thrilling 8km off road descent into Encamp. Throughout the day there will be full vehicle support so that if people prefer not to bike it is possible to walk and/or ride in the 4x4. From Encamp it is just a short 15 min drive back to the hotel arriving between 5pm and 6pm.See more images and videos

7Day 7Incles Valley hike up to the Cabana Sorda Lake and on to 2600m summit.

A short drive takes you into the Incles Valley, where you start today's walk, beginning along the forested mountain slopes. This part of the walk is along a single track through the woods where there are many examples of pine forest plants, lots of beautiful flowers, rhododendrons in June, wild fruit midsummer and wild mushrooms in September. Arriving on a plateau just above the tree line at 2000m, the gradient lessens as you reach the beautiful Querol and Salamander Lakes.
It is common to see groups of thickset mountain horses grazing on these high slopes. The horses are allowed to roam free and normally have large bells strapped around their necks to allow the owners to find them. Contouring along the valley you come to the Cabana Sorda Lake sitting below an impressive semi-circular amphitheatre of rock - an ideal spot to stop for lunch. From the lake, eager walkers can continue the hike up to the peak at around 2600m giving you an amazing bird's eye view of the valley. For the people staying at the lake there is the chance to have a swim, a refreshing dip in a waterfall or watch the fishermen - there are plenty of mountain trout. After lunch you'll descend off the grassy higher slopes through thick woodland to the top of the valley where you can either take transport back to the hotel or, for those with more energy, you can continue back on foot.See more images and videos

8Day 8End Toulouse Airport.

The group will be transferred to Toulouse Airport by minibus where those on the group flights will catch their flight back to London. The tour ends at Toulouse Airport for those not on the group flights.See more images and videos

Your images

Family group

Family group holidays that you and your family can enjoy together. These trips are active, adventurous and provide the perfect blend of exploration and sociability.

Activity level

You are reasonably fit, enjoy the outdoors and are looking for some exercise. Some previous experience is preferable for activity based trips.

What's included

What's included

All breakfasts and 6 dinners

All accommodation (see below)

All transport and listed activities

Tour leader throughout

Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)

Specialist activity guides (where needed)

What's not included

Travel Insurance

Single accommodation (available on request)

Visas and vaccinations

Accommodation details

Hotel (centre-based)

During this centre based trip you will spend 7 nights in a hotel in the village of Soldeu, the hotel is basic but has friendly staff and a great atmosphere. Facilities include a restaurant and bar and all rooms are en suite.

Single rooms may be available on request, for a supplement. Please enquire at the time of booking for up to date prices and availability.

We endeavour to provide twin or triple rooms for all family clients – for trip specific details please download the Trip Notes.

Essential info

Vaccinations and Visa
No visa required for British passport holders.
There are no specific health risks. Holiday style

This tour is operated in partnership with our sister company The Family Adventure Company (TFAC), as such the group may be a mixture of Exodus and TFAC clients. This trip is booked through Exodus and you will receive the same award winning customer service that you are used to. TFAC operate with the same core principles used by Exodus and champion the benefits of small group travel.
This is an active trip requiring no previous experience, although an ability to cycle for the mountain biking and an ability to swim for the rafting is essential. Days of mountain biking, walking and rafting can be a rigorous test of stamina, but with full vehicle support we believe anyone in good health should be capable of participating. The difficulty of the walks and rides will depend on the ability of the group and is adjusted accordingly.
Ideal for active families with a passion for the great outdoors, an interest in wildlife and a sense of adventure! This is a centre-based trip, spending a week at the same hotel so there's minimal lugging baggage about.

Eating & drinking

All breakfasts and 6 dinners are included.

Six dinners are included however as long as the group arrives in good time, an additional 'welcome' meal will also be included on the first night. If you have any special dietary requirements these can usually be catered for, but you must inform us of this a minimum of three weeks in advance.

Trip notes

Download the detailed trip notes for everything you could possibly want
to know about this trip, including detailed itinerary and full kit list.

Weather and seasonality

The central Pyrenees get some rain throughout the summer, although mostly as afternoon thunderstorms. On average, over a week-long stay you should expect 1 or maybe 2 wet days and some days of low cloud. Average maximum temperatures in the summer are up to 30degC but this varies with altitude. Expect more changeable weather in early and late season departures. July and August departures may have more stable weather. Snow is a possibility throughout the year, but early departures will have more residual snow and you should be happy walking over snow if booking early trips. If you are travelling early or late season, you may wish to adapt clothing requirements accordingly - especially as the nights can be quite cold.

Gallery

Reviews & community

What an amazing family adventure. I could not recommend this holiday highly enough. The family run hotel may well be 2 stars in the brochure but it is a 5 star base to recover from the daily activities and to relax in the friendly environment.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The scenery and surrounding were second to none, Andorra is breathtaking with or without snow.

What did you think of your group leader?

The guides are amazing. It is not necessarily an easy cross over from ski instructor to summer adventure guide, but Stuart, Adele, Sarah and Andy were brilliant and did everything to make sure you had a fun but safe time.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Get fit before you go and you will get the most out of each day. It's tougher than it looks

Questions about your trip

Pick your question

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